A former funeral director has pleaded guilty to a string of offences, including presenting four women with ashes he falsely claimed were the remains of their unborn children. Robert Bush admitted 35 counts of fraud by false representation in connection with his work at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull.\n\nHumberside Police launched a major investigation after remains were found at one of the firm’s sites in March last year following reports of concern about the care of the deceased. The charges include 31 counts of fraud for failing to handle human remains to the standard expected of a funeral director, with 30 relating to named victims and one to customers of the business between August 2017 and March 2024. Most charges allege he told bereaved families that the ashes were their loved ones’ remains, and that he falsely claimed he would arrange the cremation to take place immediately after the funeral.\n\nHe also admitted fraudulent trading over funeral plans sold between May 2012 and March 2024, which involved directing customers to believe their money would be used for future arrangements while he kept the funds for his own purposes. He denied 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial and one count of theft from 12 charities. Bush appeared at Hull Crown Court wearing a cap and scarf over his face, flanked by police, as Judge John Thackray KC granted him conditional bail ahead of an eight‑week trial at Sheffield Crown Court in October.